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What Documents Do You Need to Scrap Your Car Legally?

Scrapping your car is a smart, environmentally friendly way to dispose of a vehicle you no longer need — but it’s important to do it legally and safely. Whether your car has failed its MOT, stopped running, or is just taking up space, knowing what paperwork you need can save time, avoid fines, and make sure everything’s done by the book.

Here’s a simple guide to the documents you’ll need to scrap your car legally in Northern Ireland.

📄 1. Your V5C Logbook (Vehicle Registration Certificate)

This is the main document you’ll need. It proves that you are the registered keeper of the vehicle.

  • You don’t need to hand over the entire logbook — just fill in Section 9 (or Section 4 in older versions) and send it to the DVLA.

  • This informs them that the car has been transferred to a registered scrapyard (also known as an ATF – Authorised Treatment Facility).

  • Keep a copy or photo of the filled-out section for your records.

✅ If you scrap your car through Ecopart, we’ll guide you through this step or complete the DVLA notification for you.

🪪 2. Proof of Identity

To comply with UK regulations (including the Scrap Metal Dealers Act), you’ll be asked to show valid photo ID and proof of address. This helps prevent vehicle-related fraud and illegal dumping.

Acceptable documents include:

  • Photo ID: Passport, Driving Licence

  • Proof of address: Recent utility bill, bank statement, or council tax bill (dated within the last 3 months)

📌 Scrap dealers in Northern Ireland are legally not allowed to pay cash for scrap vehicles — identification is required for electronic payment.

❓ 3. What If You’ve Lost the V5C?

You can still scrap your car without the logbook, but you’ll need to provide:

  • Proof of ownership (e.g. a bill of sale or insurance documents)

  • Your full name, address, and vehicle details (registration number, make/model)

In this case, Ecopart will issue a receipt of destruction, and you’ll need to write to the DVLA to notify them the vehicle has been scrapped.

🧾 4. Certificate of Destruction (CoD)

This isn’t a document you bring, but one you should receive.

When your car is scrapped through a licensed ATF like Ecopart, you’ll be issued a Certificate of Destruction. This:

  • Confirms your car has been scrapped legally

  • Ends your responsibility for the vehicle

  • Protects you from future tax, insurance, or penalty notices

🚨 Make sure the company you’re dealing with is authorised — unlicensed scrappers may not issue a CoD, leaving you liable.

📝 Optional but Helpful Documents

While not always required, these can help speed things up:

  • Keys to the vehicle

  • Any service or repair history

  • Receipts from when you purchased the vehicle

✅ Recap: What You’ll Need to Scrap Your Car Legally

Document Purpose
V5C Logbook Proves ownership & allows DVLA notification
Photo ID + Proof of Address Required by law for identity verification
Certificate of Destruction (provided by scrapyard) Confirms legal disposal of the vehicle
(Optional) Other supporting documents Speeds up processing

🚗 Scrap Your Car With Confidence

At Ecopart, we make scrapping your car simple and stress-free. We’ll:

  • Help you handle the paperwork

  • Offer free collection anywhere in Northern Ireland

  • Provide fast, secure payment (no cash, as per NI law)

  • Issue your Certificate of Destruction

💬 Get a free quote today, and let us take care of the rest — legally, quickly, and responsibly.